As part of our commitment to continuously improve and offer timely, relevant information to our members, we have updated the look of the Pulse newsletter and additional email communications. In the coming months, we are excited to debut new ways to connect and provide value to members through enhanced digital communications. 
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Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback with MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller by email.

​This year, three incumbents were re-elected by general consent to three-year terms on the MnCUN Board of Directors: 

• Mary Hansen, Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union, At-Large Category​​
• Tom Smith, TopLine Federal Credit Union, At-Large Category
• Julia Havens, Riverview Credit Union, 10,000 or Fewer Members Category

Debora Almirall, Minnesota Power ECU  (appointed incumbent), Minnesota Power ECU was elected to a 1-year term on the Board in the 10,000 or Fewer Members Category.

Due to the format of the meeting, Committee Reports and copies of the audits were compiled in writing, provided with the meeting materials, and posted on the Network website. The Board expressed appreciation for all of the work,  involvement and support of the various committees over the past year.

Following the Business Meeting, Board table officers were elected. Mary Hansen, Mayo EFCU will serve as Chair, Brian Sherrick of Ideal Credit Union will serve as Vice Chair, and Dave Boden of Hiway Credit Union will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

​We are hopeful to be in person at the Annual Convention November 18-19, 2021 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. 

As April comes to a close, we wanted to thank our members who have shared photos, news releases, and success stories as part of Financial Well-being for All month.

​To continue to our momentum, we are sharing resources and ideas towards greater financial inclusion in Minnesota: 
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• Read Mark Cummin's CU Insight Article: Steadfast in our commitment to financial inclusion. 
  
  
• Learn more about Financial Well-being for All and why it is important for credit unions from the National Credit Union Foundation: Making Financial Well-being for All a Reality. 
  
  
• Use sample social media messages and images to highlight the Working for Minnesota website and the Minnesota Credit Union Impact report are (log-in required).
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• Check out the CFPB's Your Money, Your Goals Toolkit to help money conversations with members to achieve their goals and work through challenges.

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“Improving financial well-being is at the heart of the mission and structure of credit unions,” said Mark Cummins, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

​CUNA’s political action committee, CULAC, temporarily paused contributions to candidates in January, allowing for time to reflect, listen to donors and stakeholders, and review contribution policies.

​We will open up the webcams and audio lines for the group to join a facilitated discussion. All aspects of this session have been created with the intention of shared learning among facilitators and attendees. We will be asking attendees to actively participate before and throughout this session.

Bill Hurley is an accomplished marketer focused on driving results. As the Digital Sales Manager for KARE 11 – A TEGNA Company, he utilizes digital video, CTV/OTT, and social channels to guide advertising agencies and marketers across all category types reach their desired audiences and clientele. He experienced success in similar leadership positions in a variety of market sizes across the United States giving him a unique perspective on small, medium, and large market dynamics.

Max Rymer is the President of Nativ3 and ensures businesses of all shapes and sizes are positioned to grow digitally — helping to generate leads, sales, and market share online. Max has immersed himself in the development and digital marketing world his entire professional career, working at Dex Media, Spyder Trap, and several agencies throughout the Twin Cities. He is a contributor to the iHeartRadio podcast network, a fill-in host on KTLK AM 1130, and a former legislative candidate in the Southwest Metro of the Twin Cities. Max’s passion is driving return on investment digitally to business with limited budget — regardless of industry.

The spring Commercial Services & Lending P2P will be a facilitated roundtable discussion around challenges and successes over the past year as well as hot topics and trends around credit union commercial services and lending in 2021. This session will include large group sharing and small, breakout room conversation. 
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We will open up the webcams and audio lines for the group to join our facilitated discussion. All aspects of this session have been created with the intention of shared learning among facilitators and attendees. We will be asking attendees to actively participate before and throughout this session.

Date: Tuesday, May 11
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Webinar/Video Conference 
Cost: $39
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This event will be made only via webinar/conference call. Webinar and call in instructions will be provided to registered attendees.
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For a list of all P2P sessions, visit our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) webpage. With questions, please contact MnCUN Director of Engagement Ben Hering by email or call at (651) 288-5519.

As of March 2021, WINcentive in Minnesota has reached nearly $10 million in total saved by over 8,300 members of credit unions throughout the state.

WINcentive Savings incentivizes consumers in to save by offering risk-free rewards. WINcentive prizes are awarded on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, with prizes ranging from $100 to $5,000.  Account holders in Minnesota qualify for up to four chances per month for each $25 increase in their month over month savings balance.
 
For details about prize-linked savings, please contact Director of Engagement, Ben Hering, via email. More information about WINcentive Savings, including a list of participating credit unions, can be found at wincentivesavings.org.

Photo: WINcentive winner, Deb, member of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, with Winona branch employee. 

The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and build a stronger financial future. MnCUF has posted a recording of last week’s Enhanced FiCEP Informational Webinar which can help potential students learn if the program is right for them. 

The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June 30 through October 27, 2021. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. 

"Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union is excited to participate in the FiCEP certification,” said Jill Casper, CUDE, CCUFC, VP of Training & Community Relations. “We invested in sending representation from each of our branches, loss prevention, and our call center. This is a fantastic opportunity for both staff development and continuing to meet the ever-changing needs of our members and the communities we serve."

As a central part of its mission to provide resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive, MnCUF has generously committed funding to help support the cost of the program for another year.  The program is provided in partnership between the MnCU Foundation, CUNA's Center for Professional Development (CUNA CPD), and CU Difference.

“The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program exemplifies the Foundation’s mission of providing professional development for credit unions and supporting the financial well-being of members and communities, ” said Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Andrea Molnau. 

Those who have obtained the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation are required to recertify every three years to ensure that knowledge about financial counseling is current. CCUFC professionals in Minnesota have the option to receive re-certification with the MnCU Foundation. This opportunity includes a half-day refresher training provided by CU Difference on October 26th, and a copy of the CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program Update Book, 5th Edition. 

For more information on FiCEP certification or re-certification programs, visit mncun.org/enhanced-ficep-program.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundaton (MnCUF) and SPIRE Credit Union are proud to recognize Tom Hirte as a CU Builder for his service to the credit union movement upon his retirement from the Board of Directors. 

​Hirte served on the Board of Directors for 28 years, including 15 years as Board Chair. He was also on various Board and ad hoc committees, including the Governance Committee, Supervisory Committee, and Credit Committee. Hirte stepped down from the Board on April 26, 2021 in order to have more time to serve in the community of San Antonio, TX, where he currently resides.

"For nearly three decades, Tom Hirte made significant contributions to SPIRE Credit Union. Hirte always championed for SPIRE and the SPIRE team and his influence will continue to have a lasting impact," said SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz.
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In total, 77 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders over the past nine years. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.
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​Contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the MnCUF with questions.